By The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed a fine of N628.03 million on eight Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) for overbilling unmetered customers. The penalty was issued due to non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills.
The affected DisCos include Abuja, Eko, Enugu, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, and Yola. According to NERC, these companies failed to follow energy cap regulations between July and September 2024, leading to excessive billing.
NERC stated that the fine represents five percent of the total overbilled amount during this period. The regulator emphasized that the energy caps were introduced to ensure that unmetered customers are billed fairly, aligning their charges with the consumption levels of metered customers.
Beyond the fines, the commission has directed the DisCos to make credit adjustments for affected customers. This correction must be completed by May 15, 2025, coinciding with the end of the April billing cycle.
NERC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers from unfair billing practices and ensuring strict compliance with electricity regulations. “The non-compliant DisCos have been sanctioned to pay fines amounting to six hundred and twenty-eight million, thirty-one thousand, five hundred and eighty-three naira and ninety-four kobo,” the commission stated.
The regulatory body warned that further violations of billing regulations would attract stricter penalties, reiterating its stance against arbitrary electricity charges.
